Prep for the 2018 8th Grade STAAR Test!

The 8th Grade STAAR Tests are administered to all eighth graders attending public school. The exams are standardized tests designed to measure academic standpoint and potential. Preparing for the tests? Find out information about each of the exams, including dates, content, and prepping tips.

About the 2018 8th Grade STAAR Test

Students in 8th grade take four STAAR tests: Math, Science, Reading, and Social Studies. Like the sixth and seventh grade STAAR Tests, each section has its own separate testing date. The 8th Grade STAAR Dates are as follows:

8th Grade STAAR Math Test

The 8th Grade STAAR Math Test contains 52 multiple-choice questions and four open-ended questions. The student is provided with graphing paper, a reference sheet, and a calculator.

The test covers various mathematical concepts taught during the year. This may include, but is not limited to algebraic equations and functions, distance formula, converting data into equations, and interpreting charts and diagrams. Some of these questions may be especially challenging to students that have not before practiced enough math. Try to focus on each question, write down all the necessary calculations even if some seem trivial to you. After you are familiar with the complete solution, you can think of ways to reach the answer more quickly and improve your performance time.

Some students may qualify for a Pre-AP mathematics course. In this case, students are not required to take the 8th Grade STAAR Test, but rather the EOC Algebra I Test.

The first stage of prepping your child for the 8th Grade STAAR Math Test is pinpointing his or her level. This can be challenging to do on your own. To help your child, TestPrep-Online has developed a general Math Practice Pack. This pack is designed specifically to pinpoint mathematical abilities, and to develop them.

8th Grade STAAR Reading Test

The 8th Grade STAAR Reading Test contains 52 questions and six passages of about 550–900 words in length. The 8th Grade STAAR is designed to be more challenging to the student and utilizes more complex paragraphs taken from various sources, such as fiction, poetry, plays, and nonfiction, as well as scientific articles.

Students are required to analyze texts and discern factors such as theme, purpose, and perspective. Additionally, some questions may present a picture, and ask the student to determine the relationship between the text and the image. Since the test contains such a variety of texts, it is recommended to practice with as many different types of passages, as well as typical reading comprehension questions.

After you have practiced with a few passages, you will learn to recognize the information that is more relevant to the questions. You will also practice the skill that lets you quickly locate the crucial information, connect the questions to particular paragraphs, and distinguish more easily the answer choices that are either clearly incorrect or attempt to trick you.

8th Grade STAAR Science Test

This test contains 55 multiple-choice questions. For assistance, students also receive a reference sheet of formulas and the periodic table. The questions cover the following topics:

Space and celestial bodies

Cell structure and function

Organ systems

Ecosystems and food chains

Succession of species

Animal behavior and evolutionary adaptations

Tectonic plates

Pollution and climate change

Movement and velocity of objects

Types of force

Newton's laws

Experimentation

Types of energy

Chemical formulas and reactions

Properties of matter and the elements

Interpretation of graphs, charts, and diagrams

Analysis of recorded data

8th Grade STAAR Social Studies Test

The test contains 52 multiple-choice questions. The topics covered are the following:

American history and geography

American economical practices

Defining characteristics of the different states

Historic American documents

Acts, and treaties

Influential individuals (quotes, deeds, and opinions)

American wars

Inventions and their influence

Important dates

Minorities, immigrants, and the slave trade

Government structure and the balance of power

American eras

Landmark court cases

STAAR Test Practice - Online

The STAAR is an important test that can influence and shape your child's future academic development. Make sure your child is ready for the test. TestPrep-Online’s interactive and comprehensive practice packs can help your child master the skills and knowledge necessary for test day.

Choose a practice pack that’s right for you and find realistic practice tests, in-depth answer explanations, and helpful study guides, allowing your child to become familiar with the test structure and providing him or her with the confidence needed to succeed. Don't know what to pick? Give our OLSAT Pack a try! Popular among our users, this pack designed for grades 6-8, and can help your child with becoming accustomed to a standardized testing format.

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